"Antenatal Care Let Down"

I was considered low risk throughout my despite having a known neurological condition and asking at every appointment for a repeat referral or to included in the conversations with the neurosurgeon that they had been “consulting” with. Was never included. Was never able to tell the neuro my symptoms from my own experiences.

I was asked if I was needing to be referred for birth at KEMH, was told no, I’m a low risk. Then at 35 weeks pregnant I saw a visiting anaesthesiologist who starting panicking and immediately referred me to KEMH, I had less than a week to get myself to Perth for a month before my due date. Such a rush and panic to organise my house, animals, commitments, partners work, etc.

This “expert” told me I was not going to get my birth plan, I was going to be flown for brain surgery afterwards - which did not happened and I felt it was not useful for them to say nor was it their plan. I believe they made these assumptions under no comprehensive assessment of my circumstances.

Come to find out after birth and paying to consult a private neurosurgeon, none of my symptoms were related, in fact they were related to a mental health issue not neurological. I was told I could have at least try for the birth I wanted but that option did get given to me. Absolutely horrible experience and felt completely un listened to. Now I have diagnosed PTSD.